Alterraun Verner picks off AFC defensive player of the week honors

Titans cornerback Alterraun Verner didn’t have the highest profile coming into the 2013 season, but he’s spent the first month doing everything he can to raise it.

Verner has four interceptions and two fumble recoveries on the year and now has an AFC defensive player of the week commendation to go with all those takeaways. Verner was honored by the league for his work against the Jets in last Sunday’s 38-13 victory.

Verner intercepted Geno Smith twice and recovered one of the quarterback’s two fumbles during the contest. Those turnovers led to 21 points for the Titans and confirmed that the Titans made the right call for their defense when they left Verner at corner after flirting with a move to safety.

Even after making that choice and watching Verner win a starting job this summer, the Titans suggested Verner might wind up splitting time with Tommie Campbell. That hasn’t really happened as Verner has made the most of his opportunity by feasting on mistakes made by the opposing offense.

Verner doesn’t have the size and reach that makes you drool over a corner when you want to play press (Campbell does). But Verner is a VERY heady player and always handles himself like a pro. He’s earned everything he’s gotten so far this year — the starting job and a little recognition now for his ball-hawking play.

He’s a big part (along with McCourty) of why they let Finnegan walk. Just hope they can get a new deal done for Verner now.

Don’t get me wrong, Verners game was awesome, but I’d like to see some love for Kiko Alonso, hopefully DROTW. Ending the game against the Ravens and another heads-up pick should be enough, but he does play for the Bills, so you never know.

Titans’ Verner had his hand in getting 3 turnovers (2 interceptions and a fumble recovery) in one game from the opponent the Jets which led to 21 points, very deserving of AFC defensive player of the week.

yea.. the guy tied for the most interceptions in the league has a game with 2 picks and a fumble recovery.. and someone else deserves the reward.. makes a lot of sense to me. Carl Klug had a sack, strip, fumble recovery, and a Td on one play.. I think thats more impressive than just 2 picks.